1918 – 2014

AUBURN — G. Carleton Snowe, 95, of Auburn and Sarasota, Fla., passed away early Friday morning, May 9, at Androscoggin Hospice House.

He was born in West Gardiner on Dec. 9, 1918, to Guy Rueben and Hazel Trafton Snowe. He moved to Auburn at a young age and was a 1936 graduate of Edward Little High School, and later graduated from the New England Institute.

He served as a machinist’s mate in the U.S. Navy in World War II. After the war, he worked for his father-in-law at Dillingham and Sons Funeral Home. In 1947, he founded Maine American Vault Co., which later became Superior Concrete Co. In 1966, he and his wife opened Old Tavern Shops in Litchfield.

He was active in many charitable organizations. One of his favorite pastimes was his coffee club, which he remained a member of until his death.

In 1939, he married the love of his life, Barbara Dillingham; they were married for 72 years, until her death in 2012.

He is survived by his daughter, Gretchen Snowe-Bly and her husband, Chuck Bly; and former daughter-in-law, former U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, whom he always thought of as a daughter, and her husband, former Gov. John McKernan. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Darren Ellis, Heidi Peachey, Johanna Mann, Nathan Ellis and Candace Bly; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; his brother, John Snowe and his wife, Beth Snowe; sisters-in-law, Gertrude Snowe and Mary Jane Dillingham; and numerous very special nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara; his son Peter; and his brothers, Kenneth and Richard.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

His family would like to express their gratitude to Androscoggin Hospice House.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.

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